Three England stars get 9/10 player rating as Lee Carsley is told off for denying Harry Kane hat-trick

Harry Kane was the star of the show as England wrapped up a comfortable 2-0 win over Finland in the Nations League.

Lee Carsley’s side dominated for long spells of the first half but failed to make the breakthrough before the break with Trent Alexander-Arnold notably going close.

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Kane, on his 100th appearance for England, did find the net but saw his goal ruled out after being deemed to be offside by VAR following Bukayo Saka’s cross.

Thankfully, the Bayern Munich star still had time to be the star of the show after scoring twice in the second half at Wembley.

Kane was then given a standing ovation as he was brought off on a night that truly belonged to him.

Speaking after the game, Kane told ITV: “It was a big night for me, really proud. I want to score goals and help the team.

“Whenever you are doubted, it makes you more hungry to prove people wrong. I always back myself to score goals and I am excited for the future.

“Trent backed up with another great performance. We always looked like the team who would break the deadlock. We spoke about being ruthless but in these games you have to keep knocking on the door and you will get your reward.

“The manager has come in with a great energy, talks a lot of about freedom and attacking and hurting the teams. Of course there is a room for improvement, but a great start for him.”

That victory makes it two wins from two for England in the UEFA Nations League, but which stars impressed most? talkSPORT’s Adrian Durham gives his marks out of ten for the England team.

‘Superb’

It was another statement performance from Alexander-Arnold at Wembley.

The Liverpool star played at right-back and caused countless problems for Finland as he tested the opposition with his pinpoint passing.

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Alexander-Arnold even went close to opening the scoring in the first half, while he managed to lay Kane’s second goal on a plate for him.

“Some of his passing was superb,” declared Durham who was left very impressed by the 25-year-old’s display, giving him a 9/10 rating.

Having been utilised in midfield for England of late, Alexander-Arnold’s display will be a welcome reminder of what he can do in his natural right-back position.

‘The real deal’

Lee Carsley has made some brave calls during his first two matches as interim England boss, but Angel Gomes was arguably his biggest gamble.

Thankfully the midfielder’s inclusion against Finland from the start paid off big time.

Giving the former Man United starlet a 9/10 rating, Durham was very impressed with his performance, describing him as ‘superb’, before calling the Lille man ‘the real deal’.

But what also impressed the talkSPORT host was Gomes’ decision to wear black boots – a rarity in this age of garish colour and bold designs!

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Gomes also attracted praise from teammate Noni Madueke, who told talkSPORT: “I’ve been playing with Angel since the Euros for the under-21s and he’s a great player.

“He’s a great technician and he controls games from that pivot position so I’m made up for him that he got his first start today it’s the first of many for him.”

‘A finishing masterclass’

While England won 2-0, it was a night that belonged to one man and one man only.

Of course, we’re talking about Kane, who put in a 9/10 display.

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As well as winning his 100th cap for the Three Lions, the ex-Tottenham hotshot scored his 67th and 68th goal for his country.

Sporting a pair of bespoke golden boots, Kane certainly had the golden touch at Wembley with Durham hailing the ‘finishing masterclass’ that the skipper delivered.

However, Durham wasn’t quite as impressed with Carsley, who brought Kane off late on to deny him the chance of a hat-trick on his big night, leading the interim boss to be given a rating of just 6/10.

“Leave Kane on his hat-trick mate,” Durham quipped.

Discussing Kane with talkSPORT, Madueke said: “It’s unbelievable from him.

“It’s also fitting that he got the two goals tonight and that we got the win.”

Jordan Pickford added: “He just leads by example. It’s his attitude on the pitch and his dedication to put himself in that position.

“It’s a massive honour for him and his family – a massive honour and a great achievement.

“To share the pitch with Harry is special for me and special for the lads as well.”

After a disappointing campaign at Euro 2024, Kane is clearly back to his best and hungry to prove any doubters wrong.